Report on P.E.O. Organization’s Role in Advancing Women’s Education and Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

In 2025, childcare costs have surpassed higher education expenses in nearly 40 states, creating financial barriers for parents, especially mothers, and hindering career advancement. In southwest North Dakota, women are addressing these challenges by supporting educational pursuits through three local chapters of the Philanthropic Education Organization (P.E.O.). This report highlights the organization’s contributions to sustainable development, particularly in relation to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Founders’ Day Celebration and Organizational Background

All three Dickinson-area P.E.O. chapters convened at the Veterans Pavilion to commemorate the 155th anniversary of the organization’s founding. The event honored the vision and determination of P.E.O.’s seven founders: Ella Stewart, Franc Roads Elliott, Suella Penfield, Hattie Briggs, Mary Allen Stafford, Alice Coffin, and Alice Bird.

• The Founders’ Day event included a catered brunch by Southwest Area CTE culinary students, door prizes, and musical performances by local educator Rinnah Knight.
• Keynote speeches shared personal stories and highlighted the founders’ traits, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to women’s education.

Founded in 1869 by seven students at Iowa Wesleyan College, P.E.O. has expanded to over half a million members across the United States and Canada. Its mission is to help women advance through education, guided by friendship, mutual support, and enthusiasm for learning.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

P.E.O.’s activities strongly support several SDGs, including:

1. SDG 4: Quality Education – By providing scholarships, loans, and educational programs, P.E.O. promotes inclusive and equitable quality education for women at various stages of their academic and professional lives.
2. SDG 5: Gender Equality – The organization empowers women by removing financial barriers to education and supporting their career advancement, fostering gender equality and women’s empowerment.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Through targeted scholarships and financial aid, P.E.O. addresses educational inequalities, especially for women in underserved communities.

Programs and Scholarships Supporting Women’s Education

P.E.O. offers multiple scholarship and loan programs through local chapters, including:

• STAR Award: For high school seniors beginning their college careers.
• Scholar Award: For doctoral students pursuing advanced degrees.
• Program for Continuing Education: For women returning to education or the workforce.
• Educational Loan Fund: Provides low-interest loans to women pursuing higher education who meet eligibility criteria.

Additionally, P.E.O. owns Cottey College in Nevada, Missouri, offering a range of baccalaureate degrees, further expanding educational opportunities for women.

Case Study: Jane A. Taylor North Dakota Scholarship

The Jane A. Taylor North Dakota Scholarship exemplifies P.E.O.’s commitment to SDG 4 and SDG 5 by supporting North Dakota residents who:

• Have completed at least 64 semester credits.
• Maintain a minimum 3.00 GPA.
• Are enrolled at a North Dakota college or university.

Selection criteria include academic achievement, character, and involvement in school, church, employment, and community service. This scholarship is funded through an endowment by Jane A. Taylor, a former state president of P.E.O. dedicated to women’s education. A recent recipient from Dickinson highlights the local impact of this program.

Community Impact and Leadership

• Local leadership includes Kathy Bren, president of Chapter AD, and Chris Marcusen, president of Chapter AQ.
• Christine Zander, chairman of the philanthropy committee for Chapter AD, emphasizes the organization’s excitement in supporting women at all educational stages.
• The organization fosters community philanthropy and mutual support, aligning with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Conclusion

The Philanthropic Education Organization (P.E.O.) plays a vital role in advancing Sustainable Development Goals by empowering women through education, reducing inequalities, and promoting gender equality. Its scholarship programs, educational loans, and ownership of Cottey College provide critical resources that enable women in southwest North Dakota and beyond to overcome financial barriers and achieve their educational and professional goals.

Additional Information

For more information about P.E.O. and its programs, visit www.peointernational.org.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed in the Article

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The article focuses on supporting women’s education through scholarships, loans, and educational programs.
   • It highlights efforts to help women advance their education and career opportunities.
2. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • The article discusses barriers faced by women, especially mothers, related to childcare costs and career advancement.
   • It emphasizes empowering women through education and financial support.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • By providing scholarships and loans targeted at women, the article addresses reducing inequalities in access to education.
   • It supports marginalized groups by facilitating access to higher education.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.3: Ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university.
   • Target 4.5: Eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for vulnerable populations.
2. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in education and employment.
   • Target 5.4: Recognize and value unpaid care and domestic work, including childcare, through public services and social protection policies.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of gender or other status.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

1. Indicators for SDG 4
   • Proportion of women and men enrolled in tertiary education (implied by scholarship and loan programs for women pursuing higher education).
   • Number of scholarships and educational loans awarded to women (implied by the description of P.E.O. scholarship programs and Educational Loan Fund).
2. Indicators for SDG 5
   • Percentage of women advancing in education and careers (implied by the focus on overcoming barriers such as childcare costs and supporting women’s education).
   • Availability and accessibility of childcare services (implied by the mention of childcare costs as a barrier to career advancement).
3. Indicators for SDG 10
   • Number of women from marginalized or underserved communities receiving financial support for education (implied by scholarships targeting women in North Dakota and beyond).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: thedickinsonpress.com